Jerod Mayo used a Bill Belichick line to swat down Aiyuk questions

The Patriots are reportedly one of two teams with a framework of a potential trade involving Brandon Aiyuk mapped out with the 49ers, and coach Jerod Mayo went to an old Bill Belichick line to swat down questions about it.

Mayo opened his pre-practice press conference with a brief statement stating why he would not comment on the rumors.

“I know what all of you guys want to know,” Mayo said. “One thing I did learn from Bill [Belichick] is I just – I don’t talk about players on other teams. So, just let me go ahead and say that now. But I remember as a player, I appreciated that. I appreciated that the only opinions that mattered were inside the walls. So, I’m still trying to apply that now going forward.”

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers gave three teams, including the Patriots, permission to negotiate potential contracts with Aiyuk as he decides his destination.

The Patriots and the Browns are the reported finalists for Aiyuk, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Washington has reportedly taken itself out of the running.

When asked to confirm whether the talks were happening, Mayo said that would be a question for Eliot Wolf.

He did mention that the Patriots are continuing to look for ways to upgrade the receiver room.

“Those guys are working hard. They’re getting better every day,” Mayo said. “Now, from Eliot and my perspective, we’re always trying to get better, no matter what position we’re talking about, no matter how those guys get here, whether it’s through cuts or through trades or whatever, we’re always looking to improve our team and win now.”

Kendrick Bourne is expected to be a part of the deal if Aiyuk accepts the Patriots offer. Mayo said he had a conversation with Bourne on Tuesday. Bourne wasn’t spotted at the beginning of practice, but arrived later. He remains on the PUP list as he recovers from ACL surgery.

“Honestly, I did talk to him this morning, and it was a good conversation,” Mayo said. “Once again, I feel like the story is so much further along than anything else. I just wanted to make sure we cleared the air. I do believe in being transparent with the players and really just setting those guys at ease.”

The Browns are reportedly in the position to offer receiver Amari Cooper as a part of their trade package. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported the Patriots are willing to sign Aiyuk to a contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.

According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the Patriots previously offered the 49ers a second-round pick in exchange for Aiyuk.

Aiyuk, who was a second-team all-Pro selection in 2023, caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season.